Runes for Beginners

More about the book

The origins of the runic alphabet are steeped in mystery, with the earliest inscription, "Harja," found on a comb from Denmark dating to 160 CE. This inscription suggests a developed understanding of runes, likely resulting from a century of usage. Theories about its creation include influences from Roman, Greek, Danish, and Italic scripts, with the Greek alphabet being the most probable source due to its unstandardized nature during 700-400 BCE. Norse mythology enriches this narrative, featuring Odin's sacrifice as a significant element in the story of runes.